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What is the TurboBrakes Concept?

TurboBrakes is a concept of distributed electric propulsion for gliders. It is located in the airbrake compartment of a glider’s wing and consists of multiple units – electric ducted fans (EDFs).  The system can be retrofitted into existing gliders without any major changes to the glider’s structure. It can also be fitted into new gliders.

 

When a pilot needs propulsion, they deploy the system using the airbrake lever and turn on the EDFs. When the propulsion is not needed anymore, the pilot turns the system off and retracts it into the wing. When the system is off, it functions as airbrakes.

How does it work?

The system has three operating modes:

  • as a propulsion system

  • as airbrakes

  • as a source of electric energy

What are the advantages?

  • The system can be retrofitted into existing gliders without any major changes to the glider’s structure.

  • There is a lot of redundancy due to multiple propulsion units. If one of the EDFs fails, the reduction of the thrust force is almost insignificant.

  • The pilot can recharge the batteries through the excess of altitude. When the pilot wants to get to the lower altitude, the EDFs can act as turbines and recharge the battery.

  • When the system is not in use, it doesn’t increase drag.

  • The system goes to full power in a few seconds.

  • The system can be immediately retracted.

  • With the EDFs spinning in the opposite direction, the descent rate and braking force on the ground can be drastically increased.

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